The Scream: A Piece of Art History Sell as an Historic Auction

Let me start off by saying, I love the scream. Somehow, through pastels on board, Edvard Munch was able to capture a feeling and a moment in time that everyone who sees the work can empathize with. Everyone at some point in time has been this screaming figure. I guess that’s why this piece is one of the most recognizable works of all time, second to the Mona Lisa. And, someone just bought it. Tonight, at Sotheby’s New York. For $119,922,500. That’s a record for an auction sale of a work of art.

This version of The Scream dates from 1985 and is one of only four versions. It is the only version still in private hands. This piece was owned by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father, Thomas, was a personal friend, neighbor and patron of Munch.